09 DECEMBER 2016

'The Highlander' Headlines In Inverness

Heavyweight hope Gary ‘The Highlander’ Cornish is set to top the bill for the first time as big-time boxing returns to Inverness on Friday, May 11.

The unbeaten Inverness man will head up a bill that features fellow local boxers Andrew Young and Alastair Chisholm at the Drumossie Hotel.

Cornesh, a six foot seven inch heavyweight hope, has already racked up six victories (two by knockout) since turning professional earlier this year and impressed his fans when he beat Lithuanian Igoris Borucha in Aberdeen on Saturday.

May’s contest will be his second fight in his hometown, following the success of the first-ever professional boxing event in the Highlands in December when he defeated Zimbabwe’s former Commonwealth title challenger Hastings Rasani.

Promoter Chris Gilmour said: “The fans turned out in force back in December and proved there’s a real appetite for professional boxing in Inverness.

“I’m very excited about the show and I’m sure boxing fans will be too because I believe we will see three fine prospects in action.

“Gary is really looking forward to topping the bill, particularly as it’s in front of a hometown audience who gave him such fantastic support when he last fought in Inverness.

“He has really grabbed everyone’s attention – and not just because he’s six foot seven inches tall! He’s at the very early stages of his professional career, but he has already impressed everyone who has seen him in action, both in the flesh and on his two appearances so far on Sky TV.

“It’s important not to get too carried away, but he’s progressing very well and looks to have all the tools to finally end Scotland’s long wait for a champion in the heavyweight division.”

Former Commonwealth games bronze medallist Young returned to the ring for the first time in two years on the previous Inverness bill to stop Lithuanian Rimantus Siniunas. He followed that up with an impressive fourth round knockout of another Lithuanian, Ruslan Bitarov, in Aberdeen on Saturday to record a fourth stoppage win in a row since losing on his debut.

Welterweight Chisholm will be aiming to keep his 100% record in his third contest, having outpointed Larkhall’s Mark Betts on the December bill.

Gilmour added: “Andrew was one of the world’s top amateurs, but he has suffered with injury since he turned pro and didn’t have as many fights as he would have hoped for, but he’s now

back in top condition after two straight stoppage wins since December and is starting to look like his old self again.

“Alastair has been very impressive against vastly more experienced opponents in his two fights and is now looking to build on that momentum in front of a hometown audience again.

“Scottish boxing is in its healthiest state for years and the Highlands is a real hotbed for stars of the future, so it will be good for these up and comers to showcase themselves on their own doorsteps.”

Tickets are priced at £1000 for a table of ten or £100 per person and include a champagne reception and three-course dinner. Contact Laura on 07769 697899 / laura@ictst.co.uk">laura@ictst.co.uk for further information.